The aim of this study is to investigate whether the strategic priorities of an organisation are associated with the use and effectiveness of specific performance measures. The results of a survey of Dutch firms indicate that specific strategic priorities (i.e., the importance of market/customer orientation, innovation and personnel development) tend to be associated with the use of non-financial performance measures. In addition, institutional factors appear to affect the use of specific performance measures. However, the researchers find no support for the claim that aligning the performance measurement system to the strategic priorities of the firm positively affects performance.